Pharmacy Voices

In a conversation with Trey Tollstam from Synergy Medical, we hear how the incentives with star ratings are moving pharmacies toward different strategies. Maybe 10 to 15 years ago pharmacists didn’t have an incentive, or disincentive, based on outcomes....

Through our current evolution of adopting health information technology, pharmacy has often led the way. We were the first to have real-time claim submission and adjudication. We’ve led the way in receiving prescription orders electronically. We have adopted technology to facilitate patient communication (refill reminders and requests).

Imagine the possibilities for getting the right information to the right patient at the right time by incorporating the use of information technology into the dispensing process.

Inventory management can help ensure the proper amount of product is in stock at the right time, while reducing inventory costs and increasing inventory turns. The inventory management system can also suggest, place, and receive orders, reducing the need to engage a pharmacist or technician in a labor-intensive process.

I have been writing these columns every two months for 31 years. This adds up to more than 180 columns. That’s lots of advice and opinions. Upon thinking back about what I like to write about, there are some recurring themes.